Tuesday, 1 November 2016

New Washing Machine Needed - Advice Please!

I've had the washing machine on it's back so many times over the last month that the wife thinks we're having an affair!

But believe me when I say that these aren't amorous advances and a quick fondle over the kitchen worktop.

It's just the bloody thing keeps breaking down.

It's mainly to do with it draining, the machine spins the washing but nothing is dry. I've had it apart, removed blockages, and put the ball float back in place (which doesn't stay there long) - but I think after 9 years of service I'm going to admit defeat and invest in a new one, not the ideal time for us to be doing this but then when is?

This machine has a number of problems anyway for our large family, it doesn't spin fast enough so clothes are damper than they would be out of another machine and it doesn't have a huge capacity drum meaning I end up doing at least wash a day if not many more over a week

I like the look of the large drum, high capacity machines that are energy efficient (although I don't the prices!). I'm hoping that less washes and a higher spin would make life slightly easier.

Does anyone have any recommendations when it comes to washing machines for a young family? Or should I just persevere with my washing machine affair?

Hi KevI have an Equaltis washing machine which is a larger drum and I believe according to OH that it goes up to 11kg in weight. It has 1600RPM spin speed as well which is ideal for getting all the water out of the clothing and then ideal for popping in a tumble drier. It also has programmes to just refresh clothes that have been hanging in the wardrobe - steam refresh which is very handy - have a bed and bath and three cotton programmes and you can vary the speeds between the programmes. No control knobs on the machine they are all on the door. I have been very happy with mine thus far and bought the tumble drier to go with it which is also excellent. The higher speed spin really does take the water out so that you do not spend ages in the tumbler and I use an economy programme when I tumble. Might be worth checking out ao.com to see what they have. Yet again I have used them and their prices are competitive plus you get on many of the products they sell a show and tell so that you can see what you are potentially buying. Hope this helps pattypan

I had a washing machine that kept breaking down. I got fed up (hubby was the one fixing it) and ordered another one. When we moved, our current home had a washer and dryer. They were about 12 years old. They were small capacity. I purchased new large capacity. They were expensive, but worth it to me :)

I don't know what makes and models are available for you in your part of the world, but I finally got a new machine a couple of years ago and am so glad I did. We got a heavy-duty, large capacity Maytag, a top loader. For over 15 years I had a front loading, energy efficient (ha!) machine that never did a good job of washing the clothes, broke down at regular intervals and always leaked water from the bottom of the door. Whatever you choose as your next machine, top loading is the only way to go in my opinion. Good luck!

Front loaders have always been a bit gimmicky and prone to trouble. Over here most are top loaders. I know with your scenario installed as a kitchen appliance under the counter you don't have much of a choice. I'd be inclined to find a different place for it and go with a more rugged top loader. One with the least amount of buttons and gimmicks possible.

Sorry, Kev. Our machine we bought a mere 4 years ago has turned out to be a real POS so I can't give any advice. The main problem is that it makes noise during the spin cycle but the drum refuses to move until we wave a magnet over the lid to re-activate a hidden switch. It's as fun as it sounds. But I will say that you really made me laugh!

Cant help with the washing machine, with only two of use I just got a normal every day one, I only use one setting on it, my daughter bought one with the extra door you can open through a wash if you forgot something but it not that impressive.

Funnily enough, I just recently joined 'Which' for a £1 trial because I was buying a new cooker and needed to know what to buy. Whilst I have access to the site until I cancel my sub I have also been checking out other things, washing machines being one of them, although I don't need one yet. So here's what they said 'Washing machines: Best Buy: Zanussi ZWF91283W £299.99 Don't buys: Beko, Bush, Logik, Hotpoint'. Hope this is of help.

Hi Kev - we're a family of 4, 2 young kids and live on a smallholding. My husband is a butcher so we have his work clothes, school uniforms, "farm clothes", my work gear - you name it. I have far too much washing but I must say, we got a new machine when we moved in to the smallholding in January and I went for a larger drum, fast spin from AO too. They were fantastic. The machine is great though different. I paid around £350 I think it was which was middle of the road. Well worth it and makes the experience a little less painful. Take care, Tracy

Recommend AO as if you want you can talk to person and they are so helpful. They will take away your old machine and, as we are both disabled, they fit the new machine. Not too fond of Zanussi and although Beko ok they usually come with a slight drainage problem where standing water needs mopping up from the bottom of the seal on the door. Miele I think is one of the best and my daughter likes Hotpoint. Miele come with a ten year guarantee! Love Andie xxx

Oh I feel for you. We had a Bosch (a quite basic one) (not computerised) for many years and it was never a problem. Then it gave up the ghost and the part was going to be too expensive to replace. So reluctantly we looked for a new one. We were persuaded against my better judgement to purchase a Hoover Dynamic Next (8KG)(all electronic menu) Right from day one it has been a problem with spinning. We even rang the help line to complain and we were asked "how many items are in the washer" "why" we asked. Because you have to have 7 items in the drum otherwise it wont spin!!!! What you mean 7 socks or 7 tea towels or 7 bath towels. No this woman said it has to be 7 items in the drum. We gave up and just cope with the fact that it will spin some days and some days it won't. You never know when it happens I am sure it will not last as many years as the Bosch. Good luck on your choice.

Kev, I'd definitely get a new one, in 9 years the tech has improved for water and energy efficiency , so I'd pay more for a better make, and a big drum.And what's the cost in your 'downtime' when you're fixing the current one?! We chose one where we can choose the temperature, time and spin speed separately. And a timer as we have solar power so we set it to come on when the sun is up, or electricity is at the cheaper rate. Water efficiency was also a concern as we are on rainwater (no mains water)Caroline

get a new one - I favour Bosch -our old one was 15 years old when we called time on it - our 'new' one cost less than the old one - with a young family and winter on it's way don't have the worry of a dodgy washing machine.

I hate front loaders and won't ever have another one. I bought a Maytag top loader on the assumption that it'd last - I only got 8 years from it. I now have a big top loading Hoover and it's been working like a dream for years.

Every 6 months check your washing machine supply lines for signs of failure, which can be: worn tubing or bulging and blistering of the hose, stress cracks or loosening at the connection, fraying of the lines, and any leaks near the hose ends. http://sawspecialists.com/

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About Me

I'm trying to live as Self sufficiently and contained as possible. From growing our own food, raising some of our own meat and earning a living from my hands.
I work as a carpenter and I'm passionate about woodwork, traditional crafts and trying to learn as much as I can about them through doing.
I strongly believe in family and family values and I love a more traditional way of life.